The Husband Project

Ephesians 5:24-26
Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.

If you've followed my blog for any length of time, you probably know two things:  My husband, Danny, and I share a solid, loving relationship, and I never write book reviews.  But, when fellow blogger/Christian writer, Kathi Lipp, issued a challenge to her followers to review her book, The Husband Project, 21 Days of Loving Your Man - on Purpose and with a Plan, I jumped at the opportunity.

After all, even the best marriages can use a tweak and a perk here and there, can't they?  And, I am so excited to read Kathi's The Husband Project which you can order here, so I can share my thoughts with all you married ladies who regularly visit Meditations of My Heart.

Oh, and if you are a married guy reading this, do yourself a favor.  STOP!  Go get your wife, let her read this, and pray she wants to get this book.  You won't regret it, I promise!

Okay, that being said, ladies, we can continue.

Whether you are a head-over-heels newlywed with stars in your eyes every time your man steps into the room, or a seasoned matron wondering why you married this guy 40 years ago, The Husband Project is for you.  Why?  As Kathi states, "(it is) as much about changing our attitudes as it is about blessing our husbands."  The man in your life needs to be encouraged, respected, loved, and recognized for his good qualities.  When you stop thinking about what he didn't do, say, etc., and focus instead upon his strengths, i.e. he's a great dad, a terrific provider, you can build and sustain a better, more loving relationship with your husband.

Why 21 days?  Kathi explains through a humorous anecdote about her over-zealous gym instructor who, when Kathi balks at the strenuous daily exercise, declares, "It takes . . . 21 days to build or thoroughly break a habit."  The 21 creative and flexible projects Kathi offers in her book will help you intentionally and methodically acknowledge and uplift your husband in positive ways each day.  Kathi also recommends that you choose two accountability partners who are willing to participate in The Husband Project with you.  These women can be invaluable sources of praise when things are going well and of comfort and encouragement should you hit a road block in your 21 day journey.

But, this book is so much more than 21 projects.  It is about us learning ". . . to train our minds to think about our man and consider his needs every day."  It is learning to see our husbands as Christ sees them, loving them as He loves them.  

So, when he forgets those flowers on Valentine's, or neglects to take out the trash for the umpteenth time, will you be upset?  More than likely!  But, take heart!  Here's how Kathi handles similar situations:  "When I've been the most angry or frustrated with my husband, I've had to picture Jesus standing on the other side of him.  I focus on loving Christ, and my husband is just standing in the way, receiving all that love."

So, ladies, how about it?  Will you pledge to try The Husband Project?  I can't wait to see my Danny's reactions to these 21 days of intentional, thoughtful encouragements from me!

God bless you, Kathi Lipp!!!

Will you join me in prayer?
We pray today, Father, that Kathi's amazing book will be a blessing to married couples everywhere.  Let us all choose to find the good in our husbands and love them unconditionally as your precious Son, Jesus, loves us.  Amen.